Forum Sevens update

The Forum Sevens (F7s) is an article writing competition hosted here in LeagueUnlimited's The Front Rowforums. Now in its 10th season, the F7s has produced thousands of rugby league related articles written by hundreds of fellow forummers.

As we approach the 2011 Forum Sevens finals, it looks like four teams out of the six are in contention to take out the big one.

Eight rounds of article writing are completed and there are just two
rounds remaining before the semi-finals. It looks like the top four is
decided.

Front runners are Panthers, Bluebags, Ninjas and Titans, leading the gallant Dragons and Rabbitohs outfits.

Ladder - Round 8But halfway through the 2011 Forum Sevens season it was a different
story. When the F7s Boss submitted his mid-season report card, the
Panthers were at the bottom edge of the top four but gearing up for a
strong run into business end of the season.

Ladder - Round 5

The story at the half way markRound 5

Newtown Bluebags:The Newtown side started the year with a draw
against fellow 2010 grand finalists Penrith. They remained unbeaten
until Round 4, where they lost by a field goal to the Gold Coast Titans,
who they currently lead by points differential.Gold Coast Titans:Despite winning more matches than any other
team, the Titans sit second because of a missed article resulting in a
dropped bonus point. Only the Panthers have managed to defeat the Gold
Coast thus far.Chuck Norris Texas Death Ninjas:The return of Walker, Texas
Ranger's side has seen them sitting in third place, just one competition
point behind the joint leaders. They've also managed to claim the
mid-season Willow Cup which now sits proudly in their trophy cabinet.Penrith Panthers:The Penrith club who made the grand final in
2010 may be sitting fourth, but they have scored more in-game points
than any other side, but losses to the Rabbitohs and Ninjas have slowed
their progress of late.Saint George Dragons:Despite a bumpy start to the season and
mass personnel changes, the Dragons are finding their feet. With bonus
points on offer, they're still a chance to make a finals appearance.South Sydney Rabbitohs:The team from Redfern have struggled in
2010, particularly at the beginning of the season. But they have shown
improvement as they slowly find their rhythm, highlighted by defeating
2010 grand finalists Penrith in Round 4. The Bunnies face an uphill
battle to make the finals, but they aren't out of the hunt yet.

Overall milestones approaching:
muzby - Three games shy of 20th
edabomb - Next game is 40th
tits&tans - Next game is 50th
Amadean - Two games shy of 50th
Goleel - Three games shy of 50th
gorilla - Three games shy of 50th
The Piper - Next game is 60th
Jesbass - Two games shy of 60th
Azkatro - Next game is 90th

Other notable achievements:
Titanic and madunit breaking and now sharing the record for most conscutive club matches with their tally of 43 appearances.

Captain's KnocksRound 5

Here are a few comments from F7s captains regarding season 2011 so far:

"This season has seen the emergence of a new Titans style of play. Gone
are the long-winded, eclectic musings of a geographically challenged
herd, replaced by refreshingly energetic long-winded, eclectic musings
of a geographically challenged mob.

Performances have been patchy but after an erratic start to the season,
the team has found its level and is looking forward to the second half
of the season."- Titanic

"It is great having the dragons back in the F7s. The most pleasing thing
is the way in which everyone is playing this year. It's not about
winning. It's just about getting a few articles together.

I am over the moon that a few of the boys have been on loan from other
sides, this really epitomises the F7s community. I hope that the new
push from the big red V will lead to success later this year and in
years to come."- _Johnsy

Chuck Norris Texas Death Ninjas

"The Ninjas have had a great start to 2011 thanks to a dedicated core of
players who are always willing to go the extra mile! Thanks to the team
for making sure we always get five articles in.

Also a big thanks to all F7s players, referees and management for their
continued dedication to the concept, it is a joy to be a part of."- edabomb

Newtown Bluebags

"The bagger's famous blue bus has had a few running repairs this year
with some of our players jumping districts to help out kindred spirits
St George. But the rookies have stepped up to the crease and performed
brilliantly. Special mention to newcomers AlwaysGreen and Cliffhanger - team champions churning out the superlatives like there is
no tomorrow.

On a personal note, congratulations to fellow forummers The Ninjas on
winning the mid-season Willow Cup. The Cup has been dusted off and is on
it's way from Henson Park as we speak.

Good luck to one and all; and many thanks to the refs and those who administer the game. Long live the Forum Sevens! "- Willow

From The Boss's DeskRound 5

Wow, what a season it has been so far! 2011 has been my first season in
charge of the competition and it has at times been a fantastic trial by
fire!

I have done my best to treat the game with the respect and dignity that
it deserves. I have made it clear that my office is always open for
those who wish to discuss any perceived issues - but also that there is a
sense of decorum that must be maintained if the competition is to
survive.

Having taken to the field as a player and as a captain, and now as a
referee, I feel I'm getting an ever growing sense of appreciation for
the efforts of everyone involved in the competition.

There are so many great things about the Forum Sevens, not least of
which is the community spirit. Of course everyone wants to win, but it
is the friendly banter between opposition players and the willingness to
help out other teams - sometimes with player transfers - that makes
this competition truly stand out.

And then of course there are the articles - clever puns, witty turns of
phrase, historical recollections, unique insights, thought provoking
topics, and elegant delivery. There are certainly worse ways to spend an
afternoon than reading the literary genius that is on hand.

I'd like to thank all of the players, captains and referees for making
the Forum Sevens the great competition that it is - and to the readers
who fill the stands each round to see what rugby league's best writers
have to offer.

I look forward to watching the second half of the season unfold, when
we'll discover who will take the 2011 Premiership and the Four Nations
series that follows.